Private Foundations
Private foundations make grants based on charitable endowments. The endowment funds come from one or a small handful of sources -- an individual, a family or a corporation. Because of their endowments, they are focused primarily on grantmaking and generally do not raise funds or seek public financial support the way public charities (like community foundations) must.
“Private foundation” is the umbrella term that includes corporate, independent, family, and operating foundations. As of 2011, there were 73,764 private foundations in the United States (Foundation Center, 2011).
In 2011, private foundations held more than $604 billion in assets and gave away more than $45 billion (Foundation Center, 2011).
Below is everything on our site for private foundations. Due to the large number of resources on our website, we highly recommend you use the site navigation or the search feature to find what you are looking for.
Washington Snapshot: Treasury Releases Opportunity Zones Proposed Regulations, President Trump Announces New Plan for Tax Cuts
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Talk of New Tax Cuts Comes as a Surprise to Many
Opportunity Zones Regulations Released by Treasury
President Appoints New White House Counsel After McGahn Resigns
State Ballots: More than Electing Leaders and Legislators
News from the Hill
Talk of New Tax…
New York-Based Arts Program Studio in a School to Receive Chapman Prize
The Council on Foundations today announced that Studio in a School Association, a New York City-based program that serves young people by integrating visual arts into teaching and learning, will be awarded the Chapman Prize at its upcoming Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 28.
As the…
Don't Be Caught Off-Guard This Tax Season: A Guide for Navigating the New UBIT Rules
Members, View the Recording
Does your organization provide parking/transportation benefits to employees or do you already file the Form 990-T? If you answered yes to either of those questions, your organization will owe taxes for 2018 and the filing process is going to be different than it was last…
Washington Snapshot: Wyden and Tester Continue Fight to Overturn Schedule B Decision; What Happens with Tax Policy After the Midterms?
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Potential Tax Policy Action During Lame-Duck Session?
Tester, Wyden Still Fighting to Overturn Schedule B Decision
High-Profile Debates in Texas and Ohio, and Election Registration Controversy in Georgia
2018 Ballot Measures on the Nonprofit Radar
News…
What the 2018 Midterm Outcomes Mean for the 116th Congress
Members, View the Recording
Once the 2018 midterm elections are in the rear-view mirror, the outlook for the 116th Congress’ legislative agenda is becoming clearer. If Democrats end up with the majority in the House but not the Senate, how will a divided Congress agree on legislative priorities to…
Washington Snapshot: TIGTA Releases New Report on Nonprofit Political Activity, Shake-Ups to Come for Ways and Means Committee
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot...
Impending Shake-Up on Ways and Means Committee
Senate Turns to Other Business Now that Kavanaugh is Confirmed
TIGTA Releases Audit of Impermissible Political Activity by 501(c)(4) Organizations
Groups Seek to Preserve State Tax Credits as Charitable…
Rockefeller Brothers Fund President Stephen Heintz to Receive Philanthropy’s Highest Honor
The Council on Foundations today announced that Stephen Heintz, President of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, will receive the Distinguished Service Award at its upcoming Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC. The Award is philanthropy’s highest honor and celebrates a visionary leader who embodies the…
Hurricane Michael
Disaster Overview
Hurricane Michael made landfall on the Florida Panhandle as a Category 4 storm that resulted in dangerous storm surge flooding, destructive winds of more than 150 mph and flooding rainfall. As it moved inland, Michael also brought heavy rain and strong winds to other parts of the…
Private Philanthropy Update—October 2018
Last month, Council staff attended events alongside the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). As world leaders discussed critical global challenges, from climate change to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representatives of civil society, philanthropy and the private…
Washington Snapshot: Tax Cuts 2.0 Expected to Stall in Senate, Congress Punts Spending Fight to December
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
“Tax Cuts 2.0” Passes House, Expected to Stall in Senate
Government Shutdown Averted, December Vote Looms
Tax Writers Remain Hopeful That IRS Reform Will Happen Before Year’s End
Rettig Officially Sworn In to Become IRS Commissioner
Sen. Scott Sends Letter…
Washington Snapshot: House to Vote on Tax Cuts 2.0, Senators Pushing for a Vote on IRS Donor Disclosure
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot...
House to Vote on Tax Cuts 2.0
Senators Pushing for a Vote on IRS Donor Disclosure
Rettig Swearing-In Expected for Next Week
States Acting Quickly in Aftermath of Hurricane Florence
News from the Hill
House to Vote on Tax Cuts 2.0
Yesterday, the House…
California College Pathways: A Case Study on How Strategic Philanthropy Leads to Systematic Change
The Excellence in Public-Philanthropic Partnerships Exchange (Exchange) hosted a webinar featuring the California College Pathways (CCP) Project, which received the 2018 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships.
This…
ER Causing You Trauma? Diagnosing the Rules and Regulations for Expenditure Responsibility
Recording
View the Slides
The steps of expenditure responsibility are the federally-mandated procedures a private foundation (and DAFs) must follow for any grant made to a non-charity. While the rules for exercising expenditure responsibility are relatively straightforward, many issues and concerns can…
Career Pathways Leadership Development: Conversations with Alumni
As the 2018 Career Pathways cohort approaches their final learning session in November, the Council on Foundations is eagerly preparing for the 2019 program. We are anticipating a transformative year with a new group of powerful, dynamic, and talented leaders that are ready to hone their…
Leading Together 2019 Conference - Philanthropic Practice
Effective philanthropy requires leaders that are well versed in the business model, legal and regulatory framework, and political climate in which grantmaking organizations operate. This philanthropic practice programming will provide attendees with knowledge on both emerging and best…
Leading Together 2019 Conference - Bridging Divides
Philanthropy is an important bridge within societies. In today’s world of growing nationalism and division, it has an even more critical role to play. We see funders of all types and sizes working across divides to drive social change, from strengthening democracy and civic engagement…